Matthew 17:24-27  Jesus and His disciples returned to  Capernaum.. home after being away awhile.. but before they even got to rest a while, the tax-collector came calling.  They came to Peter asking, "Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?"

Back then, as is now, there were many taxes to pay.  Taxes to Rome, taxes for the temple, taxes on land, and taxes on commerce.  This appears to be the religious tax.. two-drachmas required for every man, every year.  Peter agrees.. it was not unexpected.. it was not something he was bothered by.. it seems.  

Jesus asks this question, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?"   This is an interesting question.  A poll-tax would be one collected from the Jews by the Romans.. not the temple tax.  It would be a tax given to the king.. 

Jesus, as the true King, ruling over the true Kingdom.. would be exempt from any and all taxes.. it all belongs to Him.  His disciples, as His direct followers, should also be exempt from taxes.  Yet, Jesus agreed to pay what He did not owe..for the sake of others.. to not offend. 

Jesus sends Peter out to fish..not with his usual boat and net.. but with a rod and hook.  He was to catch one fish and find one coin in the fishes mouth. Enough to pay the tax for both of them.  What an extraordinary event! 

Father, I am reminded again of how great and amazing You are.  Jesus, not only paid a tax that He did not owe.. but He paid the price of all our sins.. while He was perfectly without sin.  Fill our minds and hearts with awe and love and thankfulness.. for You have done great things!  You always have enough of what we need and You give willingly that we might walk in truth and love and righteousness.  You have truly "blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."  You chose us.. so that we can be "holy and blameless" before You.  You "predestined us to adoption as sons" through Jesus to Yourself. You redeemed us through His blood.. You forgave our trespasses.. You lavished us with grace! ( Eph 1:3-8)  We bless Your holy Name.  God of glory.. grant us Your spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, we pray, that our spiritual eyes would be opened.. that we might "know the hope of His calling.. the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.. and the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe " (Eph. 1:17-19)

 All glory and praise and honor to the Father and to the Lamb, Who reigns forever. Amen.